Sub-Areolar Vs Circumareolar Vs SemiAreolar Mastopexy

I understand your confusion and it occurs because these terms are often used improperly.
I have tried to clarify these terms for you:
Sub-Areolar = Dermal Mastopexy
This incision goes all the way around the border of the areola and is essentially a modified circumareolar mastopexy popularized by Dr. Becker. I have tried this with moderate success.
Circum-Areolar=Donut = Benelli=Round Block Masotpexy
This incision goes all the way around the areola. Its benefits are the limited scar. The disadvantage are the inability to predict or prevent the pursestring appearance. It tends to flatten the breast and is best performed with an implant. Various techniques have beed described without an implant and have met with mixed success. Attempts at reducing spreading of the scar necessitate the use of a permanent suture which can have problems with infection, palpability, visibility or nipple puffiness. Many modifications have been described. It cannot be used for advanced ptosis (sagging) which is still better managed with a vertical scar ("lollipop or tennis racket")
Semi-Areolar = Peri-Areolar = Crescent Mastopexy
Good for very minor degrees of sagging. It's benefits are its limited scar. The disadvantage is that it will occasionally stretch or enlarge the areola. I have used it primarily as a method to correct uneven nipple height from one side to the other. I rarely use it for a lift on both sides.
I have prepared a video which amy help to explain the confusion. It is based on a lecture I have given in the past. It has been converted from powerpoint, you may want to enlarge the video to see the pictures more clearly.
I hope this helps.

I think it would be very difficult for anyone to make an informed decision about which type of breast lift to have without the advice of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I would recommend one or more consults by well-trained surgeons in your area who will give you their best advice and recommendations after a thorough discussion and evaluation. This will be, in my opinion, the best way for you to make an informed decision.

The most important thing is not to skimp on the incision for fear of the scar. Why have a shorter scar, but a misshapen breast. If the nipple-areolar complex needs to be moved, then it is best to do a full peri-areolar or circum-areolar incision with a vertical and, most likely, a transverse incision as well. Good luck with your surgery.

The terms u you mention are not all ones in common use, so I suspect they all mean the same thing, which is a periareolar mastopexy, also called a Benelli or donut mastopexy. 

Hi there-
I think too many people view breast lift techniques as totally interchangeable and that they should choose the technique based on the type of scar you want... The reality is that each technique tends to produce a characteristic change in the breast shape, that depending on your current breast shape, may or may not be a favorable change for you.
These are very subtle considerations... It is very important that you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a lot of experience in breast surgery, and with knowledge of each technique. After a consultation and examination, this professional will be able to guide you in your understanding of which technique or techniques may be best for you.

There are a number of different techniques available for mastopexy, and each has advantages and limitations. An in depth consultation with a plastic surgeon should provide you with the best options for you.

 

Today there are many techniques available for a breast lift surgery using areolar incisions. If you need just a very small lift and do not need to change the shape or size of the areola, you may be a good candidate for a crescent lift. This will limit the amount of scarring around your areola. Keep in mind that this works well only for patients that require just a small lift of tissue. The majority of patients require a larger lift and so need an incision that goes all the way around the nipple. The only time we place an incision at the bottom edge of the nipple is for a breast augmentation not a breast lift.

There are many variations of mastopexy procedures from simple areola lifts especially with implants to variations of vertical reductions using "lollipop" incisions to more involved procedures using an "anchor" or an inverted "T" incision.

Dr. Placik explains the differences beautifully. Each procedure is useful, depending on the distance the nipple needs to be elevated. In some cases, a vertical scar is added when the distance is greater than that which is easily accomodated by a peri-areoar or crescent skin excision. Many patients do not want a vertical scar. However, if the nipple has to be elevated more than about 1.5cm, and if no vertical incision is used, the peri-areolar scar can end up looking like a "sunburst".
This is permanent. The addition of a vertical scar will help prevent this. In addition as Dr. Placik explained, peri-areolar techniques can flatten the breast. Your surgeon should discuss the pros and cons of each method with you and you can decide together what is the best thing for you, given your particular anatomy. There is not one right method that can used in every case. There IS an ideal choice for you, given your needs. Hope this helps.

This is a tough question without seeing you. If you're young with good breast tissue than a circumareolar mastopexy will probably be fine. If you're young and have had several children than you may need this plus implants. If you have significant skin that needs resection then you'll need the periareolar plus a vertical and possibly horizontal incisions.
Do you see where I'm going? It's a complex question with many answers depending on your exam. So go see several surgeons then ask the question.